Plateau United FC forward, Vincent Temitope, was assaulted by irate fans on Sunday following his team’s 3-2 defeat to Nasarawa United in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 33 clash held in Lafia.
Temitope, who both missed a penalty and scored during the fiercely contested encounter, was reportedly attacked after the final whistle. A disturbing video later emerged, showing the player receiving treatment for a cut near his neck.
In a press statement issued by the club’s Director of Media and Publicity, Yaksat Maklek, and made available to journalists in Jos, the club condemned the incident and detailed the events that unfolded.
“At the final whistle, a group of fans rushed onto the pitch, ostensibly to interact with their favorite players—some even requesting photographs with Vincent Temitope,” the statement read. “However, a few individuals had other intentions, launching an unprovoked attack on him and inflicting a deep cut on his neck, which led to heavy bleeding.”
The club further explained that Temitope was taken to multiple hospitals, including Kowa Hospital Lafia and the Police Clinic, before eventually receiving medical care at the Federal Medical Centre, Lafia.
While addressing conflicting reports suggesting that Temitope was involved in an altercation with a fan or teammates over who should take the penalty, the club firmly defended the player.
“Vincent is the designated penalty taker for the team and was within his rights to step up for the kick,” the statement clarified. “Claims of an argument with teammates are unfounded and an unnecessary distraction from the core issue—his safety.”
The statement also touched on accusations that Temitope had an on-field altercation with Nasarawa United goalkeeper Detan Ogundare, stating: “It’s not uncommon in global football for players to stand their ground against intimidation. Isolated incidents of passion on the field should not overshadow the more pressing matter of fan violence.”
Referencing the NPFL Framework, the club cited Section B, Subsection 13, which prohibits any form of pitch invasion or fan disruption, stressing that the presence of fans on the field in the first place was a direct violation of league regulations.
“In the end, the focus should not be on condemning Temitope’s conduct, but rather on addressing the unacceptable act of hooliganism that endangered his life. His commitment and professionalism remain intact, as evidenced by his involvement with the Nigeria Super Eagles B team, where discipline is paramount,” the statement concluded.
